I have Girl Scout patches. Lots and lots of patches. Cookies, camping, councils, you name it, I probably have a patch for it.
Some I specifically purchased, some tagged along with a patch that I really wanted.
But sometimes, I find a patch that just screams, “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?”
These patches have designs that just don’t seem right.
I’m not trying to criticize anyone’s artistic skills. I’ve just assumed that these looked better in the preliminary sketches.
Patch Hall of Shame
6. The Eager Beaver
Are there countries where younger Girl Guides are called Beavers? Like our Brownies?
This girl looks eager to chomp somebody in her troop.
Can beavers transmit rabies?
UPDATE: Readers say this is a crest for the youngest level in Scouts Canada, which is reserved for boys. It still looks like an unfortunate girl, however!
5. Jupiter Ingathering
I recognize Florida, but I’m afraid to ask about that red thing.
I’m telling myself it’s a lighthouse.
Otherwise, what are they gathering–in?
4. First Class Day Camp 2001
What a great nod to history! The patch design draws on early Girl Scout imagery.
In the earliest days, Girl Scouts earned a green trefoil (clover) patch when they passed the Second Class test. When they reached First Class status, a new patch was sewn around the clover. Eventually, the two-part patch was combined into one.
The design was incorporated into the pins for Curved Bar and First Class (1963-1980).
But the day camp patch has the design UPSIDE DOWN!!!
3. Meet Jane Goodall
Is this an accurate representation of the famous primatologist? You decide.
2. Mid-Columbia “I Am Me”
Words fail.
1. Follow Me Girls
The 1918 documentary film “The Golden Eaglet” was repackaged and rereleased in 1962 as “Follow Me Girls.”
But this looks more like “The Jungle Book” than Girl Scouts.
And why are they topless?
I’m sure these all looked better on paper.
© 2026 Ann Robertson, writer, editor, Girl Scout historian, but NOT a Girl Scout employee.
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